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<p>The payment of witness expenses and allowances to prosecution witnesses, where
the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the prosecuting authority, is governed by the
Crown Prosecution Service (Witnesses’ etc. Allowances) Regulations 1988.</p><p>The
rates payable in accordance with the Regulations are designed to provide compensation
to witnesses attending court but not necessarily full reimbursement of all costs incurred,
including loss of earnings, whether the witness is employed or self-employed. The
aim is to strike a balance between providing a reasonable level of compensation to
witnesses and ensuring that public money is spent appropriately.</p><p>It is important
that the allowances are set at a level that does not discourage the public from coming
forward to give evidence and rates are subject to regular review. Nevertheless, limits
on the amounts payable are necessary if the Government is to maintain control over
public spending in order to direct limited resources to areas of greatest need.</p><p>The
witness allowance rates are due to be reviewed shortly.</p>
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